Best Criminal Lawyer in Miami-Dade County, FL
Juan Cordero
Criminal Lawyer
Attorney Juan J. Cordero has been practicing law in Florida 23+ years. In those 23+ years he has been honored to represent many families that have had a love one injured because of the negligence
of another. Juan J. Cordero is an Adjunct Professor of Law and Business Law at Indian River State College. He was born and raised in Miami which gives him a unique perspective in getting the best results for every client.
The Juan Cordero Lawyers team has represented clients in auto accidents, slip and falls, crime victim cases, air bag injury, brain injury, paralysis, wrongful death, pool drowning, sexual assault, burn victims, negligent security, work accident, explosion accidents, cruiseline accidents, medical malpractice, trucking accident, motorcycle accidents, amusement park accidents, mobile home fires, roll over cases, as well as many other areas of the law. We have helped recover millions of dollars for our client’s injuries. In addition, Mr. Cordero is a combat 2x veteran from the United States Army and was a member of Task Force 118 and the 101st Airborne during his time in the military. In his 23+ years of practice Mr. Cordero has also represented several elected officials and public figures in notable case. Juan Cordero Lawyer has dedicated countless hours in helping the community as a Crime Victim Advocate to reduce Crime in Florida by making streets safer. He also has been a High School Baseball Coach at Miami Beach High School were he gave back to the youth of the community.
Marcelo Saenz
Criminal Lawyer
Marcelo Saenz’s legal firm has helped thousands of people like you. Whether you had an accident at work or driving a vehicle, we will make sure that your case gets the right attention to getting the compensation you deserve. Initiating legal action may raise some doubts which is why we provide a quick and easy process to deal with those details that emerge in an accident case. We will give you our total guarantee of service from your first consultation until the final agreement of your case. You do not have to suffer because of medical bills or loss of salary due to an accident. Call us today and we will help you achieve the compensation you deserve and take care of you and your family.
Since 1990, Marcelo Saenz has helped thousands of people involved in traffic accidents, accidents at work and those whom have had difficulty claiming compensation for their accidents. Your signature offers a simple and effective process to deal with the legal process of your accident and we will accompany you from your first consultation until the signing of the final document. In all of our years of service we have successfully represented thousands of accident victims and have helped them receive the compensation they and their families deserve.
Albert Quirantes, Esq.
Criminal Lawyer
Criminal Defense Trail Lawyer at:
Criminal DUI & Ticket Lawyers
A Law Firm
Education:
University of Miami, B.B.A., 1984
University of Florida, Juris Doctor, 1987
Practice Areas:
Criminal Law
Fraud and Deceit
Drug Crimes
Driving While Intoxicated
Felonies
Misdemeanors
Traffic Violations
Drivers License Suspension
Expungements
Theft
Domestic Violence
Juvenile Law
Biography:
Vice-Chair, Florida Traffic Rules Committee. Appointed by three separate presidents of the Florida Bar to this important committee that formulates and submits changes in the Florida rules of Traffic Courts to the Florida Supreme Court
Former Vice-Chair, County Courts Committee of the Dade County Bar Association
Member, Criminal Courts Committee of the Dade County Bar Association
Former Assistant Public Defender, Eight Judicial Circuit, Florida
Founder of the Ticket Law Center, P.A., a law firm that concentrates in the defense of DUI, suspended license defense and all traffic offenses in the State of Florida since 1990
Founder of Criminal DUI & Ticket Lawyers, a Law Firm
Currently a private criminal defense attorney.
Julian Stroleny
Criminal Lawyer
A Coconut Grove native with ties to the community reaching back a hundred years, Mr. Stroleny attended MAST Academy before graduating with his bachelor’s degree from Florida International University. While attending law school at Florida International University, he worked in a top law firm in the field of probate and guardianship, learning the importance of commitment to clients and passionate advocacy. In law school, Mr. Stroleny served as class president and later went on to serve as President of the FIU Trial Team. In 2012, Mr. Stroleny competed in Washington, D.C., for the FIU Law Trial Team, winning first place at the 16th Annual National White Collar Crime Mock Trial Invitational, held at Georgetown University.
With a desire to learn more about the criminal justice system, Mr. Stroleny interned in the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office Juvenile division. There he worked on hundreds of juvenile misdemeanor and felony cases, taking many to trial and winning favorable verdicts. Mr. Stroleny graduated from law school with honors and was awarded the Trial Advocacy Award, a distinction for the graduate who demonstrated the greatest overall excellence in trial advocacy.
David M. Edelstein
Criminal Lawyer
David Edelstein began his career in the state of Florida as an Assistant Public Defender with the Miami-Dade County Public Defender’s Office. During his tenure there he represented both adults and juveniles charged with all types of misdemeanor and felony crimes ranging from less serious offenses like disorderly conduct and resisting an officer without violence to more serious crimes like drug trafficking and organized fraud.
Since establishing his law firm 23 years ago, he expanded his practice to include the representation of clients facing both state and federal criminal charges throughout the entire state of Florida, including Broward and Palm Beach counties.
He also practices at the appellate level by representing clients in state and federal criminal appeals. In addition, he is a licensed bar member of his home state, the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Mr. Edelstein is AV® rated by Martindale-Hubbell and has been listed in The Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers™. He has been listed multiple times as a “top lawyer” in the category of criminal defense by Florida Trend Magazine and the South Florida Legal Guide. He has also been listed in Super Lawyers Magazine in the category of criminal defense.
Justin K Beckham
Criminal Lawyer
Since 2002, Attorney Justin K. Beckham has exclusively practiced criminal defense in Miami-Dade County. After earning the highest award in the University of Miami Moot Court program during law school, he joined the Office of the Miami-Dade County Public Defender.
He successfully defended thousands of clients at the Juvenile, Misdemeanor, and Felony Levels, taking nearly 50 cases to trial and earning several acquittals. He began his own law practice in 2006, concentrating on criminal cases.
Justin was selected for inclusion in the Super Lawyers® list in the areas of criminal defense and DUI from 2010 through 2012 and in 2015, an award bestowed to only the top 2.5% of practicing attorneys in the State of Florida. Furthermore, he has also been accepted as a member of The National Advocacy for DUI Defense, LLC (or NAFDD). The exclusive organization is reserved for criminal defense lawyers who are recognized as being the United States’ top defense attorneys. He was also selected as one of the top “40 under 40” Trial Lawyers in the country in 2013, and as one of the Top Lawyers in Florida by the Legal Network that same year. In 2022, he was inducted into the prestigious Lawyers of Distinction Network, achieved by only 1% of lawyers in the country. He has over one hundred and fifty (150) 5 STAR Google Reviews and has been rated a “10 out of 10” lawyer by AVVO since 2011.
Jeffrey S. Weiner
Criminal Lawyer
Jeff Weiner graduated from Chicago-Kent in January 1974. At Chicago-Kent, Jeff was president of the Student Bar Association, a Moot Court winner, and editor of The Kent Commentator.
For almost 50 years, Jeff has been a staunch advocate for the preservation of our constitutional rights. Jeff has argued trials and appeals in over 25 states including before the U.S Supreme Court, The Florida Supreme Court, and numerous Florida and Federal appellate courts.
In 1991, Jeff argued Florida v Jimeno, 500 U.S. 248 (1991), before the United States Supreme Court.
Jeff’s distinguished legal career includes the term of president of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL), president of the Florida Criminal Defense Attorneys Association (FACDL), and chair of the Miami-Dade County Bar Criminal Courts Committee. Jeff is a Fellow of the American Board of Criminal Lawyers and a former Regent of the National Defense Criminal College. Jeff is a Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer by the National Board of Trial Advocacies.
In 1985, Jeff was the recipient of the NACDL’s highest honor, awarded annually to “The One Criminal Defense attorney who best exemplifies the goals and values of the Association and the legal profession”. In 2021, Jeff received the highest recognition from the Florida Criminal Defense Attorneys Association (FACDL) for “A Career Dedicated to Preserving Constitutional Rights and Manifesting an Open Devotion to Justice, Civility, Discretion, Courage, Respect for Human Dignity and Mercy for All Citizens”.
Jeff has authored numerous legal articles and is a co-author of O’Connor’s Federal Rules & Codes Plus, published by Thompson Reuters ®, now in its 13th edition.
Jeff has been voted by his fellow attorneys as one of the 2023 “Best Lawyers in America”, is “Super Lawyer” and is named as one of Florida Trend’s “Legal Elite” which singles out less than the 2% of the nearly 108,000 Florida Bar members.
Dennis Gonzalez Jr.
Criminal Lawyer
Dennis Gonzalez Jr: Experienced Miami Criminal Defense Attorney You Can Trust
As a Miami native with extensive experience in criminal law, Dennis Gonzalez Jr. has successfully argued and prevailed in numerous criminal jury trials, motions to suppress, and motions to dismiss. His well-rounded background in information technology, political science, and public administration uniquely positions him to handle complex criminal cases in the Miami area.
Dennis Gonzalez Jr. began his career as a network administrator in the late 1990s after graduating from South West Miami High School. His passion for helping others led him to the University of Miami, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a Master’s degree in Public Administration. Dennis continued his education at St. Thomas University School of Law, working as an intern at the Public Defender’s Office, the City of Miami City Attorney’s Office, and the Miami Dade State Attorney’s Office. Upon earning his Juris Doctor and passing the Florida Bar, he worked as a criminal prosecutor in Miami-Dade County.
Navigating the Arrest Process in Miami: A Guide for Out-of-Towners
Miami, Florida, is a popular destination known for its vibrant nightlife, beaches, and cultural diversity. However, like any major city, Miami has its share of legal issues, and arrests are not uncommon. If you’re visiting Miami and find yourself or a loved one facing an arrest, it can be a daunting experience, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the local legal system. Understanding the arrest process in Miami can help you stay calm and navigate the situation effectively. This guide aims to provide out-of-towners with an overview of the arrest process, including what to expect, your rights, and what steps to take.
The Arrest Process in Miami
An arrest in Miami typically begins when law enforcement officers have reason to believe that someone has committed a crime. Arrests can happen on the spot, such as during a traffic stop or at a public venue, or as a result of a warrant issued by a judge. Here’s an outline of the steps involved in the arrest process:
1. The Arrest
Once arrested, you’ll likely be taken into custody by the Miami-Dade Police Department or another local law enforcement agency. At the time of the arrest, the police officer must inform you of your rights, known as Miranda Rights, which include:
- The right to remain silent
- The right to an attorney
- That anything you say can be used against you in court
It’s crucial to listen carefully to these rights and exercise them. Remember, you are under no obligation to answer any questions without an attorney present.
2. Booking
After the arrest, you will be taken to a local police station or detention center for booking. During booking, law enforcement will collect basic information such as your name, address, and identification details. You will also be photographed and fingerprinted.
Booking typically happens at one of Miami’s central detention facilities, such as the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center (TGK) or the Metro West Detention Center. During this process, you may be asked about your medical history, and your personal belongings will be taken and stored until your release.
3. Initial Appearance and Bail
In Miami, following the booking process, the next step is the initial appearance, also known as an arraignment. Typically, this happens within 24 to 48 hours of your arrest, depending on the time of day and whether it’s a weekend or holiday.
During the arraignment, a judge will formally charge you with a crime, and you will have the opportunity to plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest. This is also the point where bail is discussed. Bail allows you to be released from custody while awaiting your trial in exchange for a set amount of money.
If you are a tourist or visitor, it’s important to note that bail can be complicated if you are not a local resident. Judges may impose higher bail amounts or other restrictions, such as surrendering your passport, to ensure you return for your court date. Common options for securing bail include:
- Cash Bail: You pay the entire bail amount in cash.
- Bail Bond: A bail bond company can cover the bail amount, usually charging a non-refundable fee (typically 10% of the bail amount).
- Release on Recognizance (ROR): In some cases, if you are not considered a flight risk, the judge may release you on your promise to return for court dates without requiring any bail payment.
4. Hiring an Attorney
If you’re arrested in Miami as an out-of-towner, it’s crucial to hire an attorney familiar with Florida law, especially if you plan to leave the state before your trial. A local criminal defense attorney can help navigate the legal process, negotiate bail terms, and ensure you understand your rights.
If you cannot afford an attorney, the court will appoint a public defender to represent you. However, hiring a private attorney may offer more personalized attention and local expertise. Make sure to select a lawyer with experience in the Miami-Dade County courts, as local knowledge can be beneficial in your defense.
5. Court Appearances and Legal Proceedings
Once bail is posted and you are released, you will be required to return to Miami for any future court appearances. Depending on the charges, your case could involve several hearings, including pre-trial motions, plea negotiations, and, if necessary, a trial.
For minor offenses, your attorney may be able to represent you in court without requiring your presence for every hearing. However, for more serious charges, you will likely need to be present for key court dates.
It’s important to maintain close communication with your lawyer throughout the legal process. They will advise you on what steps to take and keep you informed about your case’s status.
6. Consequences of Missing a Court Date
Missing a court appearance in Miami, especially if you are from out of town, can have severe consequences. The judge may issue a bench warrant for your arrest, and you could face additional charges, such as failure to appear. This could complicate your legal situation further, possibly resulting in more jail time or penalties.
To avoid missing a court date, keep track of all scheduled hearings and work with your attorney to ensure you meet all legal obligations. If you know in advance that you will have trouble attending a court date, inform your lawyer as soon as possible, as they may be able to file a motion to reschedule.
7. Handling a Warrant for an Out-of-State Arrest
If you have left Miami and discover there is a warrant for your arrest, it’s important to address it immediately. Ignoring a warrant could lead to complications, including extradition to Florida, depending on the severity of the charges.
Contacting a Miami-based attorney should be your first step. They may be able to resolve the issue or help you negotiate a surrender without you having to travel back to Miami. In some cases, your lawyer may be able to quash or recall the warrant.
Knowing Your Rights as an Out-of-Towner
As an out-of-towner, you have the same rights as any resident of Miami, but being unfamiliar with local laws can make the arrest process even more confusing. Here are some key rights to remember:
- Right to Remain Silent: You do not have to answer any questions without an attorney present.
- Right to an Attorney: You have the right to legal representation, either from a public defender or a private attorney.
- Right to Due Process: You are entitled to fair treatment under the law, including a formal hearing and the right to contest any charges brought against you.
Conclusion
Being arrested in Miami as an out-of-towner can be overwhelming, but understanding the arrest process and your rights can help you make informed decisions. Always seek legal representation, cooperate with law enforcement, and follow court instructions carefully to avoid further complications. With the proper guidance and legal support, you can navigate the Miami legal system more smoothly and work toward a favorable outcome.